By Wongani Mkandawire

Nkhotakota, September 19, Mana: Umunthu Plus, a non-governmental organization has conducted training on Strengthening the capacity of council officers and other stakeholders on store management of relief items, in preparation for emergency disasters in Nkhotakota District.

Speaking to Malawi News Agency on Wednesday after a three-day session, Umunthu Plus Organization Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Lumbani Mvula explained that they aim to impart skills and knowledge to officers at the district level so that they should be aware and know how to handle items properly when disaster strikes.

Mvula added that they will also conduct the same training in Nkhatabay and Karonga and have mainly targeted front-line officers from the secretariat council.

He said this has been done because they are the ones who are greatly involved in handling stores and distribution of items when an emergency comes.

“These officers at the council are more like the first responders to disaster scenarios and as such it is of utmost importance that they have proper technical knowledge of important aspects of stores and items management for smooth operations of relief materials,” said Mvula.

District Disaster and Risk Management Officer for Nkhotakota district George Zibophe said such training is important and is coming at the right time hence it is important to have members well equipped for smooth responses.

Umunthu Plus conducted the training with financial and technical support from the World Food Programme.